Are you smarter than Paul Mariner?: Round 33

This weekend’s match between TFC and Portland is pivotal for both clubs as they find themselves battling for a post-season position. Portland is currently sitting in the last playoff spot in the Western Conference but have Vancouver breathing down their necks just two points back. The Timbers know that any slip up could see them on the outside looking in. Meanwhile in the East, TFC are trying to chase down Columbus for the last playoff position. Sitting three points back, with a game in hand and just six left to play this really is put up or shut up time for the Reds.

Portland is coming off short rest having played a CCL match on Tuesday which saw Portland absolutely smash the Guyanese power Alpha United FC by a score of 6-0. While Caleb Porter played a squad no one would confuse for his strongest in that match Portland still has to make the long flight across the continent for an early, 1pm, kickoff. Will the Timbers have the legs when it comes to the later stages of the game?

Every game from here on out is crucial for TFC. With the race so tight in the East with five clubs trying to get into just three spots the Reds really do need to take a one game at a time approach to things. Any slip up could see them fall to Houston or Chicago territory. Just two weeks ago both of those clubs were seen to have an outside shot but realistically, looking at the table today, their chances are slim to none. TFC runs the risk of joining them if they can’t string positive results together from here on out.

Can the Reds post another strong performance at home? Will an equally desperate Timbers side dictate the game at BMO Field as so many visitors this season have? Post your predictions below or tweet your predictions to me, @Stouffvillain to ensure that your entry is accurately logged. As always 2 points for the correct result, 1 point for the correct TFC score and 1 point for the correct opponent score. Here are the up to date results.